An American neurological surgeon received a certificate of merit from Vietnam's Health Ministry Thursday for his contributions to Hue Medical University Hospital in central Vietnam.

Gary Heit, MD, co-founder and director of Americare Neurosurgery International, which aims to promote modern neurological care in developing countries, has donated various pieces of medical equipment worth a total of more than US$200,000 since 2005.

The professor received the certificate, titled "For People's Health," from the vice chairman of Thua Thien-Hue Province .

He and other doctors from the association are hosting a training program at the hospital this month alongside providing several surgeries.

They also plan to bring in another $200,000 worth of medical equipment.